The Daughter of the Doctor and the Saint

I am starting the cover for Edward Swift's new book, "The Daughter of the Doctor and the Saint".  My proposal was to do it in two parts.  The concept was to paint a hacienda courtyard overgrown with plants and to have grave stones scattered around in the plants.  However, after much thought, we decided that grave stones might jinx the project.  People might think it was a horror novel...which it isn't!  So, we got rid of the grave stones.  We then added a bird because they are prominent in the story.  Actually, I added a macaw.  Edward pointed out that there are NO macaws in the book.  So, being the kind soul that he is, he added one for me!  Hey, I love macaws.


I am painting the macaw separately so that it can be resized in photoshop to fit the cover at a later date.  We think the book will be 5.5" x 8.5" but who knows for sure?  The jungle will just be flipped for the back cover.  This is very exciting!  Here is the drawing of the macaw that I just finished.  Will start the painting tomorrow.

Astrocartography and Traveling With Pomegranates

Earlier this year, I had a great conversation with an astrologer.  The conversation centered around astrocartography, which is the study of the affects of the planets on specific locations on the planet.  I am not really sure how scientific it is but it's cool.  After studying the map for a long time, it became clear that there were several areas on the planet that would be ideal for me to live.  Number one is Havana, Cuba.  Sorry, that's not really an option.  Number two is Athens, Greece.  Now, that is more to my liking.  At this moment, with the economy the way it is, that probably won't happen either.  However, the astrologer pointed out that instead of moving, I might just surround myself with things that were Greek.  I might decorate with some Greek items or explore Greek mythology in my artwork.  Now, that I can definitely do.  


One of the other things I did was to read the fantastic book by Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter about the many trips to Greece that they took together,  Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story  What a fantastic book!  Sue would write a chapter and then Ann (her daughter).  You get to see how they uncover and share several meaningful secrets and develop a deeper bond between themselves, and all of this happening at various sites in Greece.  You also get to take part in Sue's writing of her bestseller, "The Secret Life of Bees", from the beginning.  It was so much fun to read about her insecurities and eventual success with the book.  Both books are highly recommended!


   

I can't believe that I finally got these side by side.  I call these "Eyes of God".  I have to take them in to the framer because the frames don't fit so they are going to have to re-do them.  I am getting ready to start the book cover for Edward Swift's new book.  

Cool New Frame

I was walking down Relox (a street here in San Miguel) and found this frame in the new frame shop.  It was so cool that I had to get it.  Now, I have to paint something to fit!

The New Painting, Almost Done

I still need to add some details to both paintings before they are done.  I picked up the finished frames and they are beautiful.  Which reminds me, I really need to order some more of the John Howard Sanden portrait paints.  They are pre-mixed into flesh tones.  They are also very opaque.  Perfect for painting portraits.

New Website

My website has been redesigned and is now up and running.  I have added a photo page (that I am still working on and will add to as I go along).  I have also added an online store for my prints and jewelry and soon...t-shirts!   You can check it out by going to www.kelleyvandiver.com.  


The banner (above) is from my new Etsy store.  My problem with Etsy is how to fulfill the orders from Mexico in a timely manner.  I am still trying to figure that out.  I don't want to have negative feedback because I know that it can take a couple of weeks for mail to arrive from Mexico.